with statements marking world aids day. see the rest of it on our website c-span. board. the u.s. house back in session today. live now to the floor of the house. washington, d.c., december 2, 2013. i hereby appoint the honorable steve womack to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, john a. boehner, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray. gracious god, we give you thanks for giving us another day. you have blessed us with all good gifts and this past week with thankful hearts, we gathered with family and loved ones throughout this great land to celebrate our blessings together. bless the members of this people's house who have been entrusted with the privilege to serve our nation and all americans in their need. grant them to work together in respect and affection and to be faithful in the responsibilities they have been given. as the end of the first session approaches and much is left to be done, be